Burton senior living facility to open in early 2009

BURTON, Michigan — A new senior citizen living facility is expected to open early in 2009.

Randy Legault is the operating owner of The Pines of Burton, built by developer Chuck SeKrenes, who also built nearby Mallard Ponds.

Legault, who also oversees The Pines' facilities in Fenton, Swartz Creek, Lapeer and Durand, said his concern for senior citizens started as a child.

"I grew up this way," said Legault. "My parents had older adults in our home."

Burton News extrasThe Pines of Burton

• What: Senior citizen living facility expected to open early 2009

• Where: 5310 Davison Road

• Tours: (810) 743-8520

The centerpiece of the complex is the sealed glass fireplace shared by a carpeted parlor and a dining room, awash in warm sunlight overlooking a courtyard.

Wing chairs are grouped throughout the parlor, while hardwood tables, chairs and floors give a natural elegance to meals served in the adjacent area.

Nearby is a large coat closet for visitors, a library/TV room and a shampoo/salon area for residents, all comfortably close to a nurses' desk, which will be staffed round-the-clock.

Hallways off the common areas lead to bedroom suits in four configurations, ranging from 300 to 350 square feet.

Each includes a sleeping area, sitting area, a closet roomy enough for a dresser and handicap-accessible bathroom. Depending on the room's location, views may include a wooded area.

Rooms can also be personalized with window treatments, pictures and artwork from home.

Fees range about $3,395 monthly and include three daily meals plus snacks, laundry service and housekeeping.

For those concerned about falls or other medical emergencies, nurses will be on site round-the-clock to respond to a call system in each room, said Legault.

Activities are regularly offered from exercise sessions to religious services or games, crafts and news-of-the-day discussions led by an activity coordinator on staff.

While participation is voluntary, most residents sooner or later decide to take part, Legault said.

"I don't believe in pushing anybody. We let people be who they are," he said.

Because some residents are earlier risers while others like to sleep in, breakfast is served continually between 7:30 and 10 a.m., with choices alternating between bacon, eggs, sausage, muffins, oatmeal and pancakes.

Dinners may include roast beef, baked or fried chicken, turkey, ham, potatoes and vegetables. Ice cream is served daily.

The kitchen adjust meals for medical requirements such as diabetes or low-sodium meals and considers residents' requests in planning meals.

Families are also welcome to dine with residents during special occasions such as birthdays, with advance notice.

During good weather, residents can expect group transportation to be provided for special activities, said Legault.

Residents of the Fenton facility, for example, are treated to boat excursions on a nearby lake.

While residents aren't yet moving into The Pines of Burton, Legault said all other sites are currently 100-percent occupied and normally maintain about 90-percent occupancy.

The warmth and home-like atmosphere generally attracts senior citizens to the living community, said Legault.

"But it's my service that keeps people here. To me, that's what it's about."